Waterspout Threat Near Santa Barbara as Radar-Tracked Storms Hit Southern California
National Weather Service alerts cite torrential bursts, 40 mph gusts, pea-size hail, with a waterspout risk near the Santa Barbara coast.
Overview
- At 3:42 a.m. PST, forecasters tracked a cluster of strong showers near Santa Barbara moving north at 5 mph that was capable of producing a waterspout.
- The latest advisory flagged brief heavy rain with wind gusts up to 40 mph and localized flooding for Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria, Goleta, Isla Vista and Highway 154 over San Marcos Pass.
- A separate statement earlier tracked gusty showers from Anacapa Island to Santa Cruz Island with 40 mph gusts and a small chance of a weak, brief tornado.
- In the Imperial Valley, radar detected a fast-moving line racing northeast near 50 mph producing 40 mph gusts, pea-size hail and brief heavy rainfall that could cause minor flooding.
- Officials urged people outdoors to seek shelter inside a building and warned drivers not to enter flooded roadways.